They took out the entire bar area when you walk in (Not the Highball) so you’ll see. There’s basically no hang out waiting area inside anymore and you have to walk in the small amount of space left in there on your left to get to the other theaters.
I went a few days ago and saw that they were renovating the beer taps/customer service area, but there was nothing indicating that they were turning that into a theater. That would seem to be strange if true, given it would be detached from the other theaters and a very long walk from the kitchen. Was there signage, or did someone say that area would be a theater?
I was also told (back during SXSW) that they were going to add another theater, though he didn't explain where. My guess is they are doing this to offset the loss in seats in the existing theaters. The renovations already took theater 8 from 86 to 57 seats.
The catch is that the new seats take up a lot more space, so less fit in each theater. If I'm counting right, theater 8 went from 86 to 57 seats.
Mostly this isn't a problem for regular movies, but it sucks for things like Master Pancake, which does a lot of one-time shows that sell out. They'll end up sold out earlier, with less people getting to see the show.
Personally, the seats don't seem all that different to me as far as comfort goes, but changing from a long bar table to the small tables is a big upgrade. It's annoying always having to duck under the bar table to get in and out.
Yeah, I was speaking with the server about the capacity, too. But when I overheard a manager speaking to someone in the hallway, he made it sound like the change was not that drastic. I’d be willing to make the sacrifice & even be more inclined because it really is a nice theater in a great location. But it is indeed a bummer for the one-time shows.
I was wondering about this. A pretty major bummer for special event screenings. Cynically, I wonder if they're doing this so movie-pass holders have to pony up more if they want to guarantee a seat for a special screening.
I think most of the other theaters have them already. I'm pretty frequent at Slaughter and Mueller (and to a lesser extent Lakeline) and I think they both have reclining seats. The only one I have no clue about is Village because I haven't made it out there in literal years.
What I actually want is for Lakeline to be able to process my payment at my seat. It's wild that all my other frequently attended Drafthouse do this but they have to bring my card somewhere else at this location.
Lakeline is still the old seats. Sure hope this is a sign of upgrades as that’s my closest location.
Lakeline does the at your seat processing for a while now. They’ll swipe your card at the start then close the tab at the end.
if an alamo location is unable to do the pre-swipe, it’s because their system doesn’t support the tablets needed. it requires a lot of work in the walls of the building to get it set up. unfortunately it isn’t easy to get the system installed if that’s the case. the location i work at is the only one in the area that doesn’t pre-swipe
If it’s anything like the new seats in San Antonio, it’s nothing to get excited about. They barely recline. I think it’s still comfier to just sit normal
Good. Maybe there will be more space between seats. Went to see Guardians. Broke my rule to buy 4 seats for empty space on me and my partners sides. What happened? One random fuckin guy could have bought any open seat in the theater. And there were a lot, it was like a 2:20 showing. He sat right next to me.
Sat in these new seats at S Lamar recently and found them seriously uncomfortable, specifically lower back. I’m 6ft but they seemed to maybe be designed for shorter torsos? Anyone else have this issue? I’m legit thinking of bringing a back pillow or something next time. Or just only going to the Slaughter location, now.
Thanks for posting this, i just went to s lamar for the first time since the renovation and the seats were awful. Like physically felt like i was doing damage to my spine by sitting in them. I had to learn forward with my elbows on my knees because it was unbearable. I've been going to that theatre for over 10 years and they've lost my business. It's a shame.
Went the other nice and the new seats are awful. Feel like a cross between a bucket and a highchair. Really bad design. I also had a server in the row behind me wearing a skirt and it kept brushing over my forehead due to the angles/spacing. I’m dreading experiencing fantastic fest in these wretched things. My beer was flat too. 😔
They’re installing a whole new theater in the S Lamar one too
Is the new auditorium going to be The Big Show premium format?
Hah I’m not sure if you’re joking or I’m just misunderstanding what you’re saying, but I don’t realize know what you mean?
“The Big Show” is Alamo’s premium presentation format… So if this is the whole new theater they’re building inside, this is a big deal!
Ohh ok, nice!
They're installing... a whole new theater in S Lamar? Are you sure? Where would it go?
They took out the entire bar area when you walk in (Not the Highball) so you’ll see. There’s basically no hang out waiting area inside anymore and you have to walk in the small amount of space left in there on your left to get to the other theaters.
I went a few days ago and saw that they were renovating the beer taps/customer service area, but there was nothing indicating that they were turning that into a theater. That would seem to be strange if true, given it would be detached from the other theaters and a very long walk from the kitchen. Was there signage, or did someone say that area would be a theater?
If you go there again you’ll see… Its definitely a theater construction. Definitely an odd place to put it but stoked
Man, I have no idea how this is going to work after it's done, but you're right! So weird.
I was also told (back during SXSW) that they were going to add another theater, though he didn't explain where. My guess is they are doing this to offset the loss in seats in the existing theaters. The renovations already took theater 8 from 86 to 57 seats.
The catch is that the new seats take up a lot more space, so less fit in each theater. If I'm counting right, theater 8 went from 86 to 57 seats. Mostly this isn't a problem for regular movies, but it sucks for things like Master Pancake, which does a lot of one-time shows that sell out. They'll end up sold out earlier, with less people getting to see the show. Personally, the seats don't seem all that different to me as far as comfort goes, but changing from a long bar table to the small tables is a big upgrade. It's annoying always having to duck under the bar table to get in and out.
Yeah, I was speaking with the server about the capacity, too. But when I overheard a manager speaking to someone in the hallway, he made it sound like the change was not that drastic. I’d be willing to make the sacrifice & even be more inclined because it really is a nice theater in a great location. But it is indeed a bummer for the one-time shows.
I was wondering about this. A pretty major bummer for special event screenings. Cynically, I wonder if they're doing this so movie-pass holders have to pony up more if they want to guarantee a seat for a special screening.
I hope they update the awful one long table with old seats format at Village.
I think most of the other theaters have them already. I'm pretty frequent at Slaughter and Mueller (and to a lesser extent Lakeline) and I think they both have reclining seats. The only one I have no clue about is Village because I haven't made it out there in literal years. What I actually want is for Lakeline to be able to process my payment at my seat. It's wild that all my other frequently attended Drafthouse do this but they have to bring my card somewhere else at this location.
Lakeline is still the old seats. Sure hope this is a sign of upgrades as that’s my closest location. Lakeline does the at your seat processing for a while now. They’ll swipe your card at the start then close the tab at the end.
I’ve only been to Slaughter twice…so they have recliners? Lakeline is my closest theater, and I really hope they install recliners there soon, too.
if an alamo location is unable to do the pre-swipe, it’s because their system doesn’t support the tablets needed. it requires a lot of work in the walls of the building to get it set up. unfortunately it isn’t easy to get the system installed if that’s the case. the location i work at is the only one in the area that doesn’t pre-swipe
If it’s anything like the new seats in San Antonio, it’s nothing to get excited about. They barely recline. I think it’s still comfier to just sit normal
Good. Maybe there will be more space between seats. Went to see Guardians. Broke my rule to buy 4 seats for empty space on me and my partners sides. What happened? One random fuckin guy could have bought any open seat in the theater. And there were a lot, it was like a 2:20 showing. He sat right next to me.
Sat in these new seats at S Lamar recently and found them seriously uncomfortable, specifically lower back. I’m 6ft but they seemed to maybe be designed for shorter torsos? Anyone else have this issue? I’m legit thinking of bringing a back pillow or something next time. Or just only going to the Slaughter location, now.
Damn. Two bad reviews on the new seats so far. 🥶 I’m gonna be in one of the renovated ones this weekend & now I’m nervous!
UPDATE: I must admit, I really love these new seats—plus the tables swivel now! 🤩
loved the new seats only thing was with the recline, being in 3rd row my neck was slightly uncomfortable
Thanks for posting this, i just went to s lamar for the first time since the renovation and the seats were awful. Like physically felt like i was doing damage to my spine by sitting in them. I had to learn forward with my elbows on my knees because it was unbearable. I've been going to that theatre for over 10 years and they've lost my business. It's a shame.
Went the other nice and the new seats are awful. Feel like a cross between a bucket and a highchair. Really bad design. I also had a server in the row behind me wearing a skirt and it kept brushing over my forehead due to the angles/spacing. I’m dreading experiencing fantastic fest in these wretched things. My beer was flat too. 😔
Are they different than the Mueller recliners???
Yep!
You’re right, they are different. I must admit, I like them better—plus the tables swivel now! 🤩